Portsmouth Taxi Driver Attacked

1 June 2011, 10:57 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A Portsmouth taxi driver has been the victim of a vicious attack by two men.

It was reported to have taken place between 9pm and 9.30pm on Friday May, 20 2011 in the Widley Road and Strode Road area of Stamshaw.

It's alleged the driver, a 39-year-old man from Portsmouth, was punched and kicked, and had his ear bitten by one of his attackers.

Two other people had been accused of leaving the taxi without paying their fare minutes earlier. £40 was later reported stolen from the taxi.

The two men accused of attacking the taxi driver both ran off after the assault. One of them went towards Twyford Avenue heading east on Strode Road. The other ran south on Widley Road.

The taxi driver was taken to hospital and later discharged.

The first man sought in connection with this attack was described as:

-White

-6 foot tall

-Thin build

-25 - 30 years old

-Short brown hair

-Clean shaven

-He was wearing a peach-coloured polo shirt, and trousers, possibly jogging bottoms.

The second attacker was described as:

-Dark complexion

-5 ft 6 ins tall

-Medium build

-25 -30 years old

-Short hair

-Clean shaven

-He was wearing a light coloured top, and trousers, possibly jeans.

Investigating officer PC Ben Hitchens of Portsmouth's Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) said:

"The intensity of this assault was unusual, considering it was linked to fare dodging. We know there were plenty of people in the Widley Road and Strode Road area on Friday night (May 20). It was still light so I'm looking for people to come forward who witnessed the assault or who may know the suspects, who are believed to be from Portsmouth."

Please contact PC Ben Hitchens at Cosham Police Station by phoning 101 or emailing: http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/contact/message_officer.htm.

From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call police on 0845 045 45 45. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.